You have a very unique story about starting a career in the banking industry. Tell us your journey to becoming a banker and what keeps you in this career.  

Law enforcement was always my dream career. I was fortunate enough to be living that dream when, while on duty, I was involved in a serious car crash that ultimately ended my career. What followed were more than six years of trying—multiple medical procedures, rehabilitation, and a strong hope that I would be able to return to the work I loved. In the end, my doctor made the difficult decision not to medically clear me to go back.

That moment forced me to rethink my future. I knew I needed a career that was not physically demanding, so I accepted a part-time teller position at a local credit union. It was not where I ever imagined myself starting over, but it turned out to be exactly where I needed to be.

With my background in criminal justice, I was immediately drawn to BSA. The investigative nature of the work, the focus on protecting people, and the mission of preventing harm felt familiar and meaningful to me. I wanted to learn everything I could. I was fortunate to move quickly into a BSA role at the credit union, and from there I continued to grow—both professionally and personally—eventually transitioning from the credit union space into the banking world.

Today, I can honestly say that I love what I do. While some days are challenging, I find real purpose in knowing that I play a critical role in keeping the bank safe, compliant, and operating for our clients. In many ways, BSA allows me to use my law enforcement mindset and experience to fulfill the same desire that first drew me to policing: helping others and protecting the community—just in a different way. At this point, I truly can’t imagine myself in any other career.

Throughout that journey and through to today, who has been the most influential to you and your career thus far?

While there have been many people who have influenced and supported me throughout my career, the most influential person would have to be Amy Simms. She was the very first person who truly took a chance on me in the BSA and compliance world.

At the time, I was new to banking and eager to learn, and Amy saw something in me that I wasn’t yet sure how to articulate myself.  I’m not entirely certain, but I truly believe she may have created a new BSA role at the credit union simply to give me an opportunity. That kind of belief is something you never forget.

Amy didn’t just hire me; she invested in me. Very early on, she sent me to school to obtain a compliance designation so I could have the same “fancy letters” behind my name that she did. More importantly, she taught me how to think critically, how to approach problems thoughtfully, and how to carry myself with confidence in a compliance role.

Leaving that role to move into the banking world was incredibly difficult because it meant leaving her as my boss and daily mentor. However, she supported the decision wholeheartedly, knowing it was the right step for my long-term growth. To this day, I still call her—whether for advice, to talk through a challenging situation, or simply to catch up and get her perspective. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity she gave me and for the continued guidance and friendship she has provided throughout my journey.

You’ve been active in the VBA since participating in the Management Development Program. Tell us about some of your favorite VBA memories and why others should participate in these opportunities.

I honestly don’t think I’ve participated in a single VBA event that I didn’t find both enjoyable and informative. In many ways, I credit the VBA with shaping my career path, because without it, I truly doubt I would have ever heard of—or ultimately joined—Chain Bridge Bank.

My three years attending Bank School were especially unforgettable. During that time, I met so many bankers whom I am proud to call not only classmates, but friends. Having spent most of my banking career in BSA, it was incredibly eye-opening to learn all aspects of banking and finally see how everything fits together. Understanding how each function supports the overall operation of a bank has made me a better, more well-rounded professional.

VBA Banker Day at the Capitol and the Washington Summit have also been incredibly meaningful experiences. They gave me the opportunity to speak directly with our representatives at both the state and federal levels about issues impacting the banking industry. Knowing that my voice—and the voice of our industry—is being heard is deeply fulfilling. I was even fortunate enough to receive an ABA scholarship to attend the Washington Summit during my first year, which made the experience even more special.

If I had to pick a favorite, the Leadership Conference (now the Emerging Leaders Conference) would be it. It is the event I look forward to most every year. I leave feeling energized, inspired, and genuinely recharged. I walk away with practical takeaways on how to be a better leader, a better coworker, and a better advocate for my team.

Across all of these experiences, the networking has been unlike anything else. In fact, my own bank president once told our staff, “I used to think I knew a lot of folks in banking until I attended an event with Kari. If you want to get to know someone, go to a VBA event with her.” That comment still makes me smile, and it perfectly captures the sense of community the VBA creates.

Now you are the 2026 EBL Chair! Why did you decide to get so involved in this group, to the point of championing the group by becoming its chair?  

My involvement with Emerging Bank Leaders really began because of Jamie Johnson, who quite literally dragged me along to my first EBL event. On the way there, she told me, “I’ll introduce you to a couple of people, but you’re going to have to do your own thing and not follow me around.” That was all I needed to hear.

When we arrived, I started introducing myself, asking questions, and engaging in conversations—and I was immediately hooked. I saw firsthand how welcoming, supportive, and impactful this group could be. It wasn’t just networking for the sake of networking; it was about building real relationships, learning from one another, and growing together.

As I became more involved, I realized how powerful the EBL is in shaping confidence, leadership skills, and career paths. The opportunities I gained through this group—both personally and professionally—made a lasting impact on me. Becoming chair felt like a natural next step and a way to give back to a group that has given me so much.

I wanted to champion Emerging Bank Leaders because I believe deeply in its mission and its people. Serving as Chair allows me to help create the same environment that challenged me, supported me, and encouraged me to step forward. I’m excited to help foster those opportunities for others and to continue building a strong, connected community of future leaders in our industry.

Whatever you are doing, you are doing it full-out; whether it’s your job, your travel, or spending time with your family. How do you manage it all and what would you say to others who are trying to live life to the fullest?

I’ve come to believe that there really is no such thing as perfect “work-life balance.” Instead, what matters most is being fully present and giving your all to whatever is in front of you at that moment. Whether I’m focused on my job, traveling, or spending time with my family, I try to show up completely and intentionally.

Over the last couple of years, I’ve lost some very important people in my life. Those experiences taught me some hard but incredibly valuable lessons about time, priorities, and perspective. One of the biggest lessons is this: today only happens once, so make it AMAZING.  I’ve made a conscious effort to make every single day count—to be engaged, grateful, and present, even on the most challenging days.

To others who are trying to live life to the fullest, I would say this: don’t chase balance as a perfect equation. Instead, focus on intention. Put your heart into your work when you’re working. Be fully there for the people you love when you’re with them. Give yourself permission to shift priorities as life requires, without guilt.

Life is busy, chaotic, and demanding—but it’s also incredibly meaningful if you choose to live it with purpose. For me, living life “full-out” means honoring each day for what it is and making the most of the moments that matter most.

What trends do you see shaping the future of banking, and how should emerging leaders prepare for them?

One of the biggest trends shaping the future of banking is the continued evolution of technology—particularly the growing role of artificial intelligence. While the foundational principles of banking will always remain the same, how we execute, analyze, and manage our work is changing rapidly. I believe learning to embrace AI as a tool, rather than fearing it, will be critical for emerging leaders.

For those up-and-coming in the industry, preparation starts with curiosity and openness. You don’t need to be a technology expert, but you do need to be willing to learn, ask questions, and understand how new tools can support your role and your organization. Staying engaged with industry trends, participating in education opportunities, and being adaptable will be key.

Ultimately, the future of banking will belong to leaders who can balance strong fundamentals with innovation—those who understand the business deeply while also leveraging technology to work smarter, not harder. Embracing change, especially in the tech space, will be essential for long-term success.

Finally, a banker comes to you looking to engage with the Emerging Bank Leaders in 2026. What would you tell them? 

Do it. Raise your hand. Say yes. Ask all the questions. Get involved!

Emerging Bank Leaders is one of those opportunities where you truly get out of it what you put into it. It’s a space designed for growth, connection, and learning—but you have to be willing to step into it. Believe that you earned your seat at the table, because you did.

Being involved with EBL has changed my career for the better. It pushed me to grow, helped me build meaningful relationships, and gave me the confidence to use my voice. The knowledge, perspective, and support you gain from this group are invaluable, and the impact reaches far beyond a single year.

If you’re considering getting involved in 2026, my advice is simple: don’t hesitate. You won’t regret it. I’m incredibly excited to see what EBL will do for the next group of leaders in our industry.

Lightning Round Questions:

What is…

• The best part of your job? Helping others
• Your go-to productivity hack? Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.  
• Your favorite vacation destination? That I have been to: Bora Bora.  That I still want to go to: Finland to stay in a glass-top igloo and see the Northern Lights.
• The best concert you’ve attended? Garth Brooks. I was 3^rd row and he put me on the jumbotron and sang to me. I cried.
• Your favorite guilty pleasure TV show or podcast? I don’t watch much TV at all unless it involves sports, but I do love The Amazing Race.
• Your superpower? Courage.  Specifically, the courage to start over, to take risks, and to trust myself even when the outcome isn’t guaranteed.
• The next thing on your bucket list? Jumping off the Stratosphere in Las Vegas in September.
• Your theme song for 2026 (one that truly represents your hopes, goals, or mindset for the months ahead)? “Girl on Fire” by Alicia Keys